The first Winter Military World Games took place in March in Valle d'Aosta, Italy, giving armed forces of the world a chance to bond with each other and promote peace through sport. Monocle was there, cheering our favourite…

Two weeks away from Christmas, we are knee deep in the winter chill, so Monocle brings you two generous handfuls of festive joy to keep you (or your partner) warm this December. Don’t blame us if it leaves you asking Santa…

A visit to the Arctic Council meeting in Kiruna during last week showed that international diplomacy can be cool, sort of.

When politicians try to look relaxed they often end up looking like idiots. Picture the starch-stiff US presidential candidate trying to enjoy a beer, the British opposition leader flying down a rollercoaster wearing a…

There are echoes of 1997 after street protests last week brought down the government in Sofia. But this time around, will anything actually change?

It has been a rough start to the year for Bulgaria. First, the country was showered with negative international press coverage speculating that millions of Bulgarians would flee to the UK when all EU work restrictions get…

It has been two weeks of unprecedented soul-searching for Russian sport, after a dismal performance at the Winter Olympics threatened to overshadow the glitzy and expensive roadshow that the country took to Vancouver to…

It has been two weeks of unprecedented soul-searching for Russian sport, after a dismal performance at the Winter Olympics threatened to overshadow the glitzy and expensive roadshow that the country took to Vancouver to…

In the run-up to the Vancouver-Whistler Winter Olympics, much of the talk was about the lengths to which organisers were going to stage-manage the image of both these games and the host city itself.

In the run-up to the Vancouver-Whistler Winter Olympics, much of the talk was about the lengths to which organisers were going to stage-manage the image of both these games and the host city itself. Concerned with what…

As the London winter draws in it’s time to dig out the slightly more sensible, warmer clothes. But Monocle’s Fernando Augusto Pacheco thinks it’s time to liven up winter wardrobes.

For many years of my life cold weather used to fascinate me. I used to long for cold, dark nights, for a cup of hot chocolate in bed, the snow. In fact, my mother always called me crazy because I wanted my honeymoon to be…

Christmas is near. You can see it all around you. High streets are draped with sparkling light displays, shops are starting to spew out Yuletide classics, and – thank heavens – you can find mulled wine almost anywhere.

Christmas is near. You can see it all around you. High streets are draped with sparkling light displays, shops are starting to spew out Yuletide classics, and – thank heavens – you can find mulled wine almost anywhere.

Airspace restrictions are in effect, naval frigates are patrolling the coast, and the surveillance cameras have been switched on.

Airspace restrictions are in effect, naval frigates are patrolling the coast, and the surveillance cameras have been switched on. An omniscient eye-in-the-sky blimp is now circling above the athlete’s village. With a pha…

Innsbruck is certainly well-equipped and prepared to co-host Euro 2008, having twice held the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976. But beyond being the ideal event city, Innsbruck’s year-round vibrancy makes it perfect for…

As mourning turns into recrimination following Monday’s attack on Domodedovo Airport, fears will inevitably be voiced internationally questioning Russia’s abilities to safely host two major world events it has planned for…

As mourning turns into recrimination following Monday’s attack on Domodedovo Airport, fears will inevitably be voiced internationally questioning Russia’s abilities to safely host two major world events it has planned for…

With the ski season in full flight you’ll have had enough time to detect the chinks in your alpine armour. This month we offer some suggestions on how to beat the freeze and warm up your winter wardrobe in the process.

Known to many as a tropical paradise, we don’t hear so much about the Brazilian winter time. But you can still wear shorts, obviously.

For those in the Northern Hemisphere that are finally enjoying some good sunshine, spare a thought for the poor Brazilians who are enduring winter at the moment. Temperatures in Rio are expected to hover around 25c this…

The prospect of next year's Winter Games in Sochi should be creating nothing but excitement; instead it's attracting criticism for alleged human-rights transgressions. What's happened to the notion of an Olympic spirit?

Earlier this week, President Vladimir Putin made an appearance in Sochi. The Black Sea resort, known as the Russian Riviera for its palm trees and balmy weather, will host the most expensive Winter Olympics on record in a…

It might still be winter but the fashion world is gearing up for spring and tackling that age-old dilemma of shorts in the office.

It is that time of year when people start thinking about what to wear for spring/summer and magazines are already preparing their features on what fashions are acceptable. Of course, one of the favourite topics is shorts…